In a major boost to India’s border security, the Indian Army has initiated the procurement of six AK-630 30mm multi-barrel air defence guns under Mission Sudarshan Chakra, aimed at strengthening low-altitude air defence capabilities along the Pakistan border.
The move comes as part of efforts to safeguard civilian and religious establishments in border regions, drawing lessons from Operation Sindoor earlier this year. The acquisition aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision to enhance indigenous defence production and technological self-reliance.
According to the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the Army’s Air Defence Directorate, the six AK-630 systems will be procured from Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) — a state-owned defence manufacturer. Each mobile system will be trailer-mounted and towed by a high-mobility vehicle, enabling rapid deployment across the varied terrains of Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.
The AK-630 is a rapid-fire, six-barrel 30mm gun capable of engaging Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), rockets, artillery shells, and mortar projectiles (URAM threats). With a cyclic rate of fire of 3,000 rounds per minute and an effective range of up to 4 km, it provides a formidable defensive shield against incoming aerial threats. The gun is equipped with an electro-optical fire control system for all-weather target detection and tracking, ensuring operational readiness round the clock.
These systems will form part of the outer kinetic layer of the multi-tier Sudarshan Chakra defence shield, which integrates radar-based detection, laser jamming, and anti-drone solutions into a unified command structure. The mission, launched on Independence Day 2025, aims to establish a comprehensive indigenous security network by 2035 to protect critical national assets and population centres.
The decision follows heightened border tensions after Operation Sindoor, during which Pakistan reportedly targeted civilian areas. In response, the Army has reinforced forward defences, with Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi warning of decisive retaliation under Operation Sindoor 2.0 if provocations continue.
During a recent visit to Army Air Defence units in Bhuj, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the government’s focus on rapid modernisation and indigenous capability development. These units had earlier intercepted multiple Pakistani aerial threats, showcasing India’s growing readiness in short-range air defence warfare.
The induction of AK-630 systems marks a crucial milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to build an indigenous, layered air defence network to protect both military and civilian frontiers from evolving cross-border aerial threats.
